Shadow of the Comet: Mark Twain, Astronomy, and Space Fiction

Abstract Mark Twain was born in 1835, the same year Halley’s Comet appeared. Near the end of his life, Twain became convinced he would die with the comet’s return in 1910, which he did. This article explores not only the cultural impact of comets during Twain’s life, but his broader interest in astronomy, space fiction, and astronomical discoveries of his day.